Audi SQ5

It's the latest member of Audi's sport S-badged family. But this one is not only the S line's first SUV, it's also the first powered by a diesel engine - albeit Audi's mightily impressive new 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo oil-burner.

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What does it say about me?

That I want a fast car but don't want to spend all my time at the service station. And I've also got a family to carry around.

What colours does it come in?

I hope you like understated hues, because there are three different blacks, two greys, two whites and silver. If you want to stand out there are two blues and a bright red. Our test car was "Estoril blue" and for my money it's the pick.

If it were a celebrity, who would it be?

Jason Statham. Economical (with words) but always up for some action.

Why would I buy it?

Honestly, you would buy it for the performance - the engine is brilliant, with such incredible pulling power - and take the fuel economy as a bonus.

Will it let me down?

Audi generally has a pretty good reputation on this front.

Does it cost too much?

Well it's more than $30,000 cheaper than an S4 Avant, and that has less torque (440Nm) and uses more fuel (8.4-litres per 100km). If you're looking for a diesel SUV with similar performance then you'll need more than $100,000.

Will I get a deal?

Given it's brand new and a high-end model it's unlikely. It's not exactly the type of car dealers will stock up on in the showroom.

Is it safe?

It's got all the same safety gear as the regular Q5, including eight airbags.

Will it get me noticed?

Not really. Yes, it's got big wheels and "SQ5" badges front and back, but it doesn't really stand out from the crowd. But that's actually part of the appeal in my book; it looks serious yet understated.

Any gadgets I can brag about?

Audi's "Drive Select" system is standard. It allows you to change the responsiveness of the engine/gearbox and the steering, as well as how much engine noise you hear (more on that later) via the infotainment system. They can be tuned to for "efficiency", "comfort', "dynamic" and "individual". The latter allows you to customise the three options; for example, you can have the engine/gearbox in "dynamic" but leave the steering in "comfort".

Will I get carjacked in it?

You should be safe, unless the carjacker wants to take his family on his next crime spree.

How's the cabin ambience?

Typical Audi - sophisticated with a dash of sportiness. The chunky steering wheel and body-hugging sports seats are the highlights.

What is the stereo like?

Even though this is the top-of-the-range Q5, you still don't get the top-of-the-range stereo - that's a $1550 option. It's a 14-speaker 505W set-up, but the 10-speaker 180W you do get is still very good. It includes a 20GB hard drive for storing music and Bluetooth streaming. But if you're one of the handful of people who own a smartphone or iPod you'll need to stump up an extra $100 for Audi's unique connection cable to plug it into the stereo.

Does it go?

If you didn't know any better you would swear it was a big V8 under the bonnet. The engine pulls so hard and fast it has no trouble hauling along such a big SUV.

Does it sound like a sporty car?

Yes and that's thanks to Audi's “sound actuator”, which pumps a modified version of the engine sound into the cabin. Now, while that may be artificial, it doesn't sound it. All you hear in the cabin is a wonderfully deep growl from the engine. And, as mentioned above, you can adjust the level of acoustic amplification via the Drive Select system.

Does it like corners?

The traditional enemy of the SUV - a high centre of gravity - is no match for the SQ5's suspension. Even though it doesn't have the fashionable adjustable dampers, it has been lowered by 30 millimetres. So it sits surprisingly flat in the bends, and the big tyres hang on well. And when you exit the corner, all that torque, coupled with the quattro all-wheel drive system, help launch it towards the horizon pretty rapidly.

What about bumps?

Despite the 20-inch wheels, it's still capable of soaking up the bigger bumps. But the ride can get uncomfortable when you hit a series of smaller imperfections.

What about service stations?

The official figure of 6.8L/100km is impressive for a car packing as much punch as the SQ5. But like everything, the temptation to use it enthusiastically will suck more juice.

Would you buy one?

If I wanted a fast family hauler then this would be near the top of my list. I love the performance and the fuel economy, it's got all the usual Audi style and the price is tempting.

What else should I consider?

The $89,400 price puts the SQ5 in a nice niche in the market. There are plenty of powerful SUVs, including the BMW X5 M50d ($147,500) and Porsche Cayenne Diesel ($101,100) but they are a size bigger and a lot more expensive.

In terms of performance and size, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 ($76,000) stacks up, but the money you save on the purchase price would probably be spent on petrol.

The spin

“Potent and pious...”

The translation

You can afford to be self-righteously smug when you're going this fast.

22 comments so far

Seriously, aren't there enough arrogant plonkers out and about, without pandering to them in this way?

Commenter

Richard

Location

Melbourne

Date and time

May 11, 2013, 6:00PM

As opposed to domestic 'muscle' cars?

Commenter

Der Kaiser

Location

Date and time

May 14, 2013, 3:29PM

"Yet light on the wallet" - Has the writer lost touch with reality? When was $89K ever considered light on the wallet?

Commenter

DJ73

Location

Date and time

May 14, 2013, 1:26PM

Perhaps the writer has an ironic sense of humour? That's the only explanation I can come up with.

Commenter

Traveller

Location

Date and time

May 14, 2013, 2:13PM

in context, it is light on the wallet

there are not a whole lot of Audi S-line cars you can get for that sort of money

Commenter

K

Location

Date and time

May 14, 2013, 3:41PM

The 'light on the wallet' part is a joke, right??

Commenter

BillingtonSmythe

Location

melb

Date and time

May 14, 2013, 1:35PM

"Will it let me down?

Audi generally has a pretty good reputation on this front."

Since when?

VW-under-the-skin mechanicals with all the pain that is going to inflict.

"The spin

“Impotent and perilous...”

The translation

"You can afford to be self-righteously smug when you're paying for the endless service returns that this vehicle demands - you've got money to burn and you like throwing it at your car."

Commenter

The truth

Location

Date and time

May 14, 2013, 1:36PM

Because, "the Truth", we don't hear people bleeting on about Audi and poor quality.If you have nothing to contribute, other then major bug up your rear re, VW, perhaps don't comment.......

Commenter

Timothy

Location

Melbourne

Date and time

May 14, 2013, 2:02PM

Is that you VW_Lemon?

Commenter

Highly predictable

Location

Date and time

May 14, 2013, 3:31PM

You're slipping truthy. You forgot to ask if Audi paid for the journo's lunch of meat pie, minimum chips, and iced coffee. Did they get put up in a Big 4 van park cabin for accommodation? Who needs the French / Italian / Swiss Alps when you have this fabulous country to test drive in?